10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine

Jenny walked into the conference room with confidence.

It had been two weeks since the board vote. Two weeks since Jasmine had assumed her interim role as chairman while she retained her position as CEO.

On the surface, things had been quiet but in the background? Not so much.

Nico's people had done a good job and around the office, she'd been hearing whispers of Jasmine's overpriced purchase of NovaGen.

More importantly, they'd released the news of the partnership between Apex and Ward Impact Ventures and the press had been singing her praises. Of course, they'd made sure it was her name that was attached to the project, not Jasmine or her mother's.

Jasmine might have won the title of chairman at the interim vote but she'd also had her weakness exposed. She didn't have the loyalty she thought she did.

With the recent rumors and news articles, Jenny knew the board was split between them. There were more members on Jasmine's side but like Nico had said, they had time.

And that was what today's meeting was for. An opportunity to trap Jasmine in a loop. Whatever move she makes from now on will only keep on benefitting Jenny.

Especially since Nico was working on adding a popular news outlet to Imperium Holdings. With the media in his hands, they would fully control the narrative.

The conference room was already half-full when Jenny entered. The executives present mingled with one another. Some having casual conversations and others discussing about their current work.

Sitting at the head of the table was the crown princess herself, Jasmine. She sat imperiously, her icy smile in place as she glanced up.

"Jenny." She greeted with that sweet and polite tone that Jenny knew was her baring her fangs for a fight. "Right on time, as usual."

Jenny smiled at her sister in response. "Always."

She took her seat at the opposite end of the table and around her, the executives quieted and took their seats as they realized both sisters had arrived.

The last of the executives finally filed in and Jasmine cleared her throat softly. "Let's begin." She said, glancing at her notes. "Today's agenda covers ongoing initiatives, quarterly updates and potential growth opportunities. Jenny, you requested to present a proposal today. You have the floor."

"Thank you, Jasmine." Jenny smiled graciously at her sister, standing up and moving to the large screen at the front of the room. She glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of Apex's top leaders.

Some here are loyal to Jasmine, some are neutral and there were a few who were beginning to drift toward her. It was time to double down on her concept and drag everyone to her side.

She turned back to the screen and clicked the remote, bringing up a title that said, The Apex ESG Vision: Growth Through Impact.

"Over the past decade, the landscape of investing has shifted dramatically." Jenny began her proposal. "The younger generations are rapidly becoming the dominant force in the market. And what do they value most?"

She clicked and bold words appeared on the screen.

Sustainability. Responsibility. Accountability.

"They care about the impact of their investments." She continued. "They want to know that their money is building a better future. Not just for themselves but for society and the environment."

"With that in mind, I'm proposing the creation of a cutting-edge ESG fund, Apex Future Focus."

A small frown appeared on Jasmine's face at this. Good.

"This fund will prioritize investments in companies that lead in Environmental, Social and Governance standards. We'll target industries such as renewable energy, ethical tech, sustainable agriculture and companies prioritizing equitable labor practices."

She clicked again and the presentation shifted to another image, this time of charts and pie graphs.

"ESG assets are projected to surpass $50 trillion globally by 2025." Jenny said, picking up momentum. "This isn't just a trend, it's the future. If Apex leads in this space, we will attract younger investors, diversify our portfolio and position ourselves as pioneers in responsible finance."

The room was silent, all eyes fixed on her. She glanced at the CFO, a man who was probably the employee still at the company since the year it was founded.

"Mr. Martin, what happens when an investment firm captures a growing, untapped market?"

Martin pushed his glasses up his nose and nodded slowly. "It drives long-term growth and strengthens investor confidence."

"Exactly." Jenny smiled. "The ESG sector is expanding faster than any other area of investing. We can't afford to ignore it."

Jasmine cleared her throat. "Ms. Voss, while the concept is certainly interesting, have you considered the risks? ESG investments can be volatile. Many of these sectors are in their infancy."

Jenny was ready for that. "You're absolutely right, Jasmine."

Jenny's smile widened as Jasmine blinked, not having expected her sister to agree with her.

"ESG investing requires careful selection. That's why we'll create a dedicated team of analysts to evaluate companies rigorously, ensuring we're targeting high-performing, impactful investments."

"Make no mistake. This isn't just about ideals. It's about profits. Responsible investing doesn't mean sacrificing returns."

She clicked again and a slide appeared showing side-by-side comparisons of traditional investment funds and successful ESG funds.

"In fact, numerous studies have shown that ESG funds outperform traditional funds in the long run. Investors are demanding it. Companies are shifting toward it. This is where the market is going."

Jenny paused, gauging the reaction of the room. Then she hit her sister with what she'd prepared.

"By launching Apex Future Focus, we position ourselves as forward-thinking and progressive." She said, locking eyes with Jasmine. "But rejecting this proposal? That sends a very different message."

She crossed her arms behind her back. "To the analysts, to the public and most of all, to the investors."

There it was. The trap.

Judging by the blank expression on Jasmine's face, she knew what this meant.

Reject the proposal and she would look regressive, out of touch with the modern market and dismissive of an entire generation of investors.

Accept it and she would have to give Jenny credit for a bold, innovative idea. An idea that would keep making Jenny look like the future of Apex.

A lose-lose situation for Jasmine.

So, what would it be? Either way, only one person walks away as the winner.